Influence of wind climate changes on the mean sea level and current regime in the coastal waters of west Estonia, Baltic Sea

Abstract

The response of semi-realistic wind speed increase scenariosto the mean sea level and current regime of semi-enclosed sub-basinsin the Baltic Sea is studied with a 2D hydrodynamic model. Accordingto the model output of spatial mean sea levels, an increase inthe westerly wind component by 2 m s-1 leads, for example,to a mean sea level rise of up to 3 cm in windward locationsin the study area. The sea level change patterns depend on thewind scenario and coastline configuration. The increases in windspeed considered here also lead to enhanced water exchange throughthe straits, strengthening of the basin-scale circulation, enhancementof up- and downwelling, and increased bottom stresses near coasts.

Keywords

• Sea level
• Wind driven circulation
• Climate change
• Hydrodynamic models
• Baltic Sea